Portulaca oleracea L. Extract Regulates Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism via the AMPK/MicroRNA-33/34a Pathway in Rats Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet.

This study examined the effect of extruded Portulaca oleracea L. extract (PE) in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and microRNA (miR)-33/34a pathway. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups and fed either a standard diet (SD), a high-cholesterol diet containing 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid (HC), or an HC diet containing 0.8% PE for 4 weeks. PE supplementation improved serum, liver, and fecal lipid profiles. PE upregulated the expression of genes involved in cholesterol efflux and bile acids' synthesis such as liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), ATP-binding cassette subfamily G5/G8 (ABCG5/8), and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and downregulated farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the liver. In addition, hepatic gene expression levels of apolipoprotein A-l (apoA-1), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), ATP-binding cassette subfamily A1/G1 (ABCA1/G1), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), and scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), which are related to serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism, were upregulated by PE. Furthermore, hepatic AMPK activity in the PE group was higher than in the HC group, and miR-33/34a expression levels were suppressed. These results suggest that PE improves the cholesterol metabolism by modulating AMPK activation and miR-33/34a expression in the liver.

High Hydrostatic Pressure Extract of Mulberry Leaf Attenuated Obesity-Induced Inflammation in Rats.

Low-grade inflammation might be a link between obesity and obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction, including diabetes, hepatic steatosis, and other health complications. This study investigated whether the supplementation of high hydrostatic pressure extract of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves (HML) to obese rats could counteract obesity-related inflammation. Three-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into three groups as follows: (a) a normal diet, (b) 45% high-fat (HF) diet, and HF diet containing 0.4% HML (c) or 0.8% HML (d) (IACUC No. 17-033). After 14 weeks of HML supplementation, adipose tissue mass, mRNA expression of adipogenic genes, such as aP2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), and macrophage recruitment were significantly decreased in HF-fed obese rats. Serum concentrations of nitric oxide and mRNA levels of arginase1 (Arg1), CD11c, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) involved in adipose tissue macrophage M1 polarization were also significantly reduced by HML. Moreover, HML alleviated the serum and hepatic lipid profiles and reduced hepatic lipogenic gene expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), CPT1, fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1), and SREBP1c, and inflammation-associated genes, including IL1ß, interleukin 6 (IL6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Serum IL6 and TNFα levels were remarkedly suppressed in the 0.8% HML group. These results suggested that the favorable effect of HML on obesity-associated inflammation might be related in part to the decrease in adipose tissue and hepatic fat deposition and inflammation.

Potential Anti-Diabetic Activity of Pueraria lobata Flower (Flos Puerariae) Extracts.

Pueraria lobata (Wild.) Ohwi. (P. lobata) flowers known as 'Kudzu flower' contain isoflavonoids and essential oil components. They have a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, including protective effects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperglycemia, and hypolipidemia, anti-mutagenic effects, and benefits for weight loss. However, the molecular mechanism of these effects remains unclear. Our study aimed to systematically examine the effects of flos puerariae crude extract (FPE) as an anti-diabetic agent using in vitro assays. The cytotoxicity of FPE was evaluated using MTS assay in L6 rat myocyte and 3T3-L1 murine fibroblast cell lines. PPARγ binding activity and adipogenesis were examined using dual-luciferase and differentiation assays, respectively. For investigating the anti-diabetic activity, glucose utilization, including GLUT4 protein expression, glucose uptake assay, and GLUT4 translocation using immunofluorescence microscopy were conducted in L6 cells. Furthermore, we assessed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of FPE. Our results demonstrated the ability to augment glucose uptake in L6 cells and enhance glucose utilization activity by increasing the expression of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4). In summary, our findings suggest that FPE may be a potential anti-diabetic substance for the treatment of diabetic patients and can prevent inflammatory or oxidation-related diseases.

Anti-proliferative activity of A. Oxyphylla and its bioactive constituent nootkatone in colorectal cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: A. oxyphylla extract is known to possess a wide range of pharmacological activites. However, the molecular mechanism of A. oxyphylla and its bioactive compound nootkatone in colorectal cancer is unknown. METHODS: Our study aims to examine the role of A. oxyphylla and its bioactive compound nootkatone, in tumor suppression using several in vitro assays. RESULTS: Both A. oxyphylla extract and nootkatone exhibited antiproliferative activity in colorectal cancer cells. A. oxyphylla displayed antioxidant activity in colorectal cancer cells, likely mediated via induction of HO-1. Furthermore, expression of pro-apoptotic protein NAG-1 and cell proliferative protein cyclin D1 were increased and decreased respectively in the presence of A. oxyphylla. When examined for anticancer activity, nootkatone treatment resulted in the reduction of colony and spheroid formation. Correspondingly, nootkatone also led to increased NAG-1 expression and decreased cyclin D1 expression. The mechanism by which nootkatone suppresses cyclin D1 involves protein level regulation, whereas nootkatone increases NAG-1 expression at the transcriptional level. In addition to having PPARγ binding activity, nootkatone also increases EGR-1 expression which ultimately results in enhanced NAG-1 promoter activity. CONCLUSION: In summary, our findings suggest that nootkatone is an anti-tumorigenic compound harboring antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity.

Mulberry Fruit Extract Promotes Serum HDL-Cholesterol Levels and Suppresses Hepatic microRNA-33 Expression in Rats Fed High Cholesterol/Cholic Acid Diet.

Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and cholesterol excretion are closely associated with the risk of cardiovascular complications. The specific aim of the present study was to investigate the cholesterol lowering effect of mulberry fruit in rats fed a high cholesterol/cholic acid diet. Four-week supplementation with mulberry fruit extract significantly decreased serum and hepatic cholesterol (TC), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and fecal bile acid levels without changes in body weight and food intake (p < 0.05). Mulberry fruit extract significantly inhibited hepatic sterol-regulatory element binding protein (Srebp) 2 gene expression and upregulated hepatic mRNA levels of liver X receptor alpha (Lxr-α), ATP-binding cassette transporter 5 (Abcg5), and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1), which are involved in hepatic bile acid synthesis and cholesterol metabolism (p < 0.05). In addition, hepatic microRNA-33 expression was significantly inhibited by supplementation of mulberry fruit extract (p < 0.05). These results suggest the involvement of miR-33, its associated hepatic bile acid synthesis, HDL formation, and cholesterol metabolism in mulberry fruit-mediated beneficial effects on serum and hepatic lipid abnormalities.

Tartary Buckwheat Extract Attenuated the Obesity-Induced Inflammation and Increased Muscle PGC-1a/SIRT1 Expression in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats.

Obesity is intimately related to a chronic inflammatory state, with augmentation of macrophage infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in white adipose tissue (WAT) and mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. The specific aim of this study is to evaluate effects of tartary buckwheat extract (TB) on obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation and muscle peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α/sirtulin 1 (SIRT1) pathway in rats fed a high-fat diet. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and fed either a normal diet (NOR), 45% high-fat diet (HF), HF + low dose of TB (TB-L; 5 g/kg diet), or HF + high dose of TB (TB-H; 10 g/kg diet) for 13 weeks. TB significantly reduced adipose tissue mass with decreased adipogenic gene expression of PPAR-γ and aP2. Serum nitric oxide levels and adipose tissue macrophage M1 polarization gene markers, such as iNOS, CD11c, and Arg1, and pro-inflammatory gene expression, including TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1, were remarkably downregulated in the TB-L and TB-H groups. Moreover, TB supplementation increased gene expression of PGC-1α and SIRT1, involved in muscle biogenesis and function. These results suggested that TB might attenuate obesity-induced inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction by modulating adipose tissue inflammation and the muscle PGC-1α/SIRT1 pathway.

Formulation and Characterization of Quercetin-loaded Oil in Water Nanoemulsion and Evaluation of Hypocholesterolemic Activity in Rats.

Due to poor water solubility and high susceptibility to chemical degradation, the applications of quercetin have been limited. This study investigated the effects of pH on the formation of quercetin-loaded nanoemulsion (NQ) and compared the hypocholesterolemic activity between quercetin and NQ to utilize the quercetin as functional food ingredient. NQ particle size exhibited a range of 207⁻289 nm with polydispersity index range (<0.47). The encapsulation efficiency increased stepwise from 56 to 92% as the pH increased from 4.0 to 9.0. Good stability of NQ was achieved in the pH range of 6.5⁻9.0 during 3-month storage at 21 and 37 °C. NQ displayed higher efficacy in reducing serum and hepatic cholesterol levels and increasing the release of bile acid into feces in rats fed high-cholesterol diet, compared to quercetin alone. NQ upregulated hepatic gene expression involved in bile acid synthesis and cholesterol efflux, such as cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1). These results suggest at least partial involvement of hepatic bile acid synthesis and fecal cholesterol excretion in nanoemulsion quercetin-mediated beneficial effect on lipid abnormalities.

Ginger Extract Ameliorates Obesity and Inflammation via Regulating MicroRNA-21/132 Expression and AMPK Activation in White Adipose Tissue.

Ginger is a plant whose rhizome is used as a spice or folk medicine. We aimed to investigate the effect of ginger root extract on obesity and inflammation in rats fed a high-fat diet. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups and fed either a 45% high-fat diet (HF), HF + hot-water extract of ginger (WEG; 8 g/kg diet), or HF + high-hydrostatic pressure extract of ginger (HPG; 8 g/kg diet) for 10 weeks. The HPG group had lower body weight and white adipose tissue (WAT) mass compared to the HF group. Serum and hepatic lipid levels of HPG group were lower, while fecal lipid excretion of the HPG group was higher than that of the HF group. In the WAT of the WEG and HPG groups, mRNA levels of adipogenic genes were lower than those of the HF group. Moreover, HPG group had lower mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines than did the HF group. MicroRNA (miR)-21 expression was down-regulated by both WEG and HPG. Additionally, miR-132 expression was down-regulated by HPG. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity of HPG group was greater than that of the HF group. HPG may have beneficial effects on obesity and inflammation, partially mediated by regulation of miR-21/132 expression and AMPK activation in WAT.

High Hydrostatic Pressure Extract of Ginger Exerts Antistress Effects in Immobilization-Stressed Rats.

Stress contributes to physiological changes such as weight loss and hormonal imbalances. The aim of the present study was to investigate antistress effects of high hydrostatic pressure extract of ginger (HPG) in immobilization-stressed rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 24) were divided into three groups as follows: control (C), immobilization stress (2 h daily, for 2 weeks) (S), and immobilization stress (2 h daily, for 2 weeks) plus oral administration of HPG (150 mg/kg body weight/day) (S+G). Immobilization stress reduced the body weight gain and thymus weight by 50.2% and 31.3%, respectively, compared to the control group. The levels of serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and corticosterone were significantly higher in the stress group, compared to the control group. Moreover, immobilization stress elevated the mRNA levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (Th), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (Dbh), and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc), which are related to catecholamine and corticosterone synthesis in the adrenal gland. HPG administration also increased the body weight gain and thymus weight by 12.7% and 16.6%, respectively, compared to the stress group. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of Th, Dbh, phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase, and P450scc were elevated by the HPG treatment when compared to the stress group. These results suggest that HPG would have antistress effects partially via the reversal of stress-induced physiological changes and suppression of mRNA expression of genes related to corticosterone and catecholamine synthetic enzymes.

The Inhibitory Effect of Tartary Buckwheat Extracts on Adipogenesis and Inflammatory Response.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) has been established globally as a nutritionally important food item, particularly owing to high levels of bioactive compounds such as rutin. This study investigated the effect of tartary buckwheat extracts (TBEs) on adipogenesis and inflammatory response in 3T3-L1 cells. TBEs inhibited lipid accumulation, triglyceride content, and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity during adipocyte differentiation of 3T3 L1 cells. The mRNA levels of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (CEBP-α), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and stearoylcoenzyme A desaturase-1 (SCD-1), were suppressed by TBEs. They also reduced the mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In addition, TBEs were decreased nitric oxide (NO) production. These results suggest that TBEs may inhibit adipogenesis and inflammatory response; therefore, they seem to be beneficial as a food ingredient to prevent obesity-associated inflammation.

Antitumor and Immunomodulatory Effect of Gastrodia elata on Colon Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo.

Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) is a well-known kind of herb that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. The extrusion of raw materials from it could improve flavor and enhance bioavailability in food and drug development. The purpose of this study is to investigate antitumor and immune boosting effects of extruded GE in human colon carcinoma cells, splenocytes, and mice-bearing CT26 colon carcinoma cell. Treatment with 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL of extruded GE decreased cell viability and induced the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax in HT29 cells ([Formula: see text]). When we performed DAPI staining, apoptotic bodies with condensed chromatin and fragmented nuclei, known as indicative of apoptotic morphology, increased 24[Formula: see text]h after treatment with 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL of extruded GE. Treatments with extruded GE significantly promoted splenocyte proliferation and IL-2 or IFN-[Formula: see text] secretion, compared with that of control cells ([Formula: see text]). The administration of extruded GE of 200 mg/kg/day decreased tumor growth and Ki-67 or [Formula: see text]-catenin expression in mice ([Formula: see text]). Additionally, we investigated the contents of compounds in extruded GE extracts using ultra performance liquid chromatography. The contents of p-hydroxylbenzyl alcohol and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde in extruded GE were 2.97[Formula: see text]mg/g and 0.04[Formula: see text]mg/g, respectively. It was supposed that antitumor and immunomodulatory effects of extruded GE might exert by the p-hydroxylbenzyl alcohol and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde of many compositions analyzed from extruded GE. These results suggest that extruded GE have the potential to be developed into a natural pharmaceutical and functional food as a cancer chemopreventive agent.

Effects of Korean Red Ginseng extract on hepatic lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells.

In this study, we investigated the effects of Korean red ginseng water extract (KRGE) on hepatic lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. KRGE decreased hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Further, KRGE suppressed expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. These results suggest that KRGE may reduce hepatic lipid accumulation by inhibition of FAS and HMG-CoA reductase expression in HepG2 cells.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure extract of fresh ginseng on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

BACKGROUND: Red ginseng is produced by steaming and drying fresh ginseng. Through this processing, chemical compounds are modified, and then biological activities are changed. In the food-processing industry, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) has become an alternative to heat processing to make maximum use of bioactive compounds in food materials. This study comparatively investigated the anti-adipogenic effects of water extract of red ginseng (WRG) and high hydrostatic pressure extract of fresh ginseng (HPG) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. RESULTS: Both WRG and HPG inhibited the accumulation of intracellular lipids and triglycerides, and the activity of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), a key enzyme in triglyceride biosynthesis. Intracellular lipid content and GPDH activity were significantly lower in the HPG group compared to the WRG group. In addition, mRNA expression of adipogenic genes, including CEBP-α, SREBP-1c and aP2, were lower in HPG-treated cells compared to WRG-treated cells. HPG significantly increased the activity of AMPK, and WRG did not. CONCLUSION: Results suggested that HPG may have superior beneficial effects on the inhibition of adipogenesis compared with WRG. The anti-adipogenic effects of HPG were partially associated with the inhibition of GPDH activity, suppression of adipogenic gene expression and activation of AMPK in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Anti-obesity efficacy of nanoemulsion oleoresin capsicum in obese rats fed a high-fat diet.

PURPOSE: This study determined the effects of oleoresin capsicum (OC) and nanoemulsion OC (NOC) on obesity in obese rats fed a high-fat diet. METHODS: THE RATS WERE RANDOMLY SEPARATED INTO THREE GROUPS: a high-fat (HF) diet group, HF + OC diet group, and HF + NOC diet group. All groups were fed the diet and water ad libitum for 14 weeks. RESULTS: NOC reduced the body weight and adipose tissue mass, whereas OC did not. OC and NOC reduced mRNA levels of adipogenic genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, and fatty acid-binding protein in white adipose tissue. The mRNA levels of genes related to ß-oxidation or thermogenesis including PPAR-α, palmitoyltransferase-1α, and uncoupling protein-2 were increased by the OC and NOC relative to the HF group. Both OC and NOC clearly stimulated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity. In particular, PPAR-α, palmitoyltransferase-1α, uncoupling protein-2 expression, and AMPK activity were significantly increased in the NOC group compared to in the OC group. NOC decreased glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity whereas OC did not. CONCLUSION: From these results, NOC could be suggested as a potential anti-obesity agent in obese rats fed a HF diet. The effects of the NOC on obesity were associated with changes of multiple gene expression, activation of AMPK, and inhibition of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in white adipose tissue.

Extraction of ginsenosides from fresh ginseng roots (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) using commercial enzymes and high hydrostatic pressure.

A combination of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and enzymatic hydrolysis (HHP-EH) was applied for the extraction of ginsenosides from fresh ginseng roots (Panax ginseng C.A. Myer). The highest yield of ginsenosides was obtained by using a mixture of three enzymes (Celluclast + Termamyl + Viscozyme) along with HHP (100 MPa, at 50 °C for 12 h) in comparison to control samples (no enzymes, atmosphere pressure, P < 0.05). Total ginsenosides increased by 184% while Rg1 + Rb1 increased by 273%. Application of these conditions significantly increased total ginsenosides by 49% and Rg1 + Rb1 by 103% compared to HHP treatment alone (P < 0.05). The effect of HHP on increased yield of ginsenosides is likely due in part, to acceleration of enzyme activity. Thus HHP-EH significantly improves the extraction of ginsenosides from fresh ginseng roots.

Anti-obesity effects of hot water extract and high hydrostatic pressure extract of garlic in rats fed a high-fat diet.

The effects of hot water extract of garlic (WEG) and high hydrostatic pressure extract of garlic (HEG) on obesity were investigated in rats fed a high-fat (HF) diet. Supplementation with HEG significantly reduced body weight gain and adipose tissue mass compared to those in the HF group, whereas WEG did not. Serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol were also decreased in the HEG supplemented group compared to those in the HF group. The level of fecal triglyceride in the HEG group was higher compared to that in the HF group. The mRNA levels of adipogenic genes, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and fatty acid-binding protein (aP2) were significantly decreased in both the WEG and HEG groups. Additionally, uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) mRNA were increased clearly in the HEG group compared to that in the HF group. These results suggested that HEG more efficiently reduced body weight gain than WEG, at least partially mediated by increase of the fecal triglyceride and downregulation of adipogenic genes expression together with upregulation of UCP2 gene expression in rats fed a high-fat diet.

Draft genome sequencing of Bacillus sp. strain M2-6, isolated from the roots of Korean ginseng, Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, after high-hydrostatic-pressure processing.

A bacterium, designated M2-6, was isolated from Korean ginseng, Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, roots after high-hydrostatic-pressure processing. On the basis of 16 rRNA gene phylogeny, the isolate was presumptively identified as a Bacillus sp. Here we report the draft genome sequence of Bacillus sp. strain M2-6 (= KACC 16563).

Ginsenoside Rg3 reduces lipid accumulation with AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) activation in HepG2 cells.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the main causes of mortality worldwide, and dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for CVD. Ginseng has been widely used in the clinic to treat CVD. Ginsenoside Rg3, one of the major active components of ginseng, has been reported to exhibit antiobesity, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective effects. However, the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on hepatic lipid metabolism remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether ginsenoside Rg3 would regulate hepatic lipid metabolism with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in HepG2 cells. Ginsenoside Rg3 significantly reduced hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg3 inhibited expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR). Ginsenoside Rg3 increased activity of AMPK, a major regulator of energy metabolism. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rg3 reduces hepatic lipid accumulation with inhibition of SREBP-2 and HMGCR expression and stimulation of AMPK activity in HepG2 cells. Therefore, ginsenoside Rg3 may be beneficial as a food ingredient to lower the risk of CVD by regulating dyslipidemia.

High hydrostatic pressure extract of garlic increases the HDL cholesterol level via up-regulation of apolipoprotein A-I gene expression in rats fed a high-fat diet.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of mortality worldwide and a low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level is an important marker of CVD risk. Garlic (Allium sativum) has been widely used in the clinic for treatment of CVD and regulation of lipid metabolism. This study investigated the effects of a high hydrostatic pressure extract of garlic (HEG) on HDL-C level and regulation of hepatic apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) gene expression. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups and maintained on a high-fat control diet (CON) or high-fat control diet supplemented with high hydrostatic pressure extract of garlic (HEG) for 5 weeks. Changes in the expression of genes related to HDL-C metabolism were analyzed in liver, together with biometric and blood parameters. RESULTS: In the HEG group, the plasma triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly decreased in comparison with the CON group (P < 0.05). Dietary HEG also lowered the hepatic TG and total cholesterol (TC) levels compared to the CON group. While the plasma HDL-C level and mRNA level of hepatic apoA-I, which is one of primarily proteins of HDL-C particle, were significantly increased in the HEG group compared to the CON group (P < 0.05). The gene expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), importantly involved in the biogenesis in HDL, were also up-regulated by dietary HEG. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that HEG ameliorates plasma lipid profiles and attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation in the high-fat fed rats. Our findings provides that the effects of HEG on the increase of the plasma HDL-C level was at least partially mediated by up-regulation of hepatic genes expression such as apoA-I, ABCA1, and LCAT in rats fed a high-fat diet.

Lipase-catalyzed production of pinolenic acid concentrate from pine nut oil using a recirculating packed bed reactor.

Pinolenic acid (PLA) concentrate in fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) was efficiently produced from pine nut oil via lipase-catalyzed ethanolysis using a recirculating packed bed reactor (RPBR). The effects of reaction temperature, molar ratio, and residence time on the concentration of PLA were explored. Novozym 435 lipase from Candida antarctica showed less selectivity toward PLA esterified at the sn-3 position when temperature was increased from 45 to 55 °C. For the trials of molar ratio between 1: 50 and 1: 100 (pine nut oil to ethanol), there were no significant differences in the yield of PLA. Residence time of substrate in a RPBR affected significantly the PLA content as well as the yield of PLA. Optimal temperature, molar ratio (pine nut oil to ethanol), and residence time for production of PLA concentrate via lipase-catalyzed ethanolysis in a RPBR were 45 °C, 1: 50, and 3 min, respectively. Under these conditions, the maximal PLA content (36.1 mol%) in the concentrate was obtained during the initial 10 min of reaction.